Commemorative Weekend 2009
Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration, September 10th- 13th, 2009.
Each year on the second weekend of September Plattsburgh and the surrounding area echo to the sound of musket and cannon fire as re-enactors in period costume from the United States and Canada lock horns in a reenactment of the 1814 Battle of Plattsburgh.
1814 Re-enactments and 1814 Encampment
Re-enactments take place on land and water, at the mouth of the Saranac River overlooking Plattsburgh Bay, the site of the famous 1814 battle.
At the 1814 encampment at the Kent-Delord House Museum, there are
demonstrations of early American artisans such as spinners, coopers and
blacksmiths. At this authentic encampment, see how soldiers and their
families really lived in 1814.
This is a great chance to talk to the American defenders and hear another point of view from the British regulars.
Israel Green’s Tavern:
Authentic Period Music, Food and Drink
Quaff some ale and eat shepherd’s pie at Israel Green’s Tavern while enjoying a variety of period entertainment.
Parade
See a spectacular old fashioned parade, with military bands, including U.S. Navy Band Northeast, Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band from Cobourg, Ontario, several fife and drums corps, school and community bands, marching units and historic-themed floats, immediately followed by a stellar, hour-long musical beat retreat ceremony.
Concerts Through the Week
Other concerts include one of the nation’s finest military bands, the U.S. Navy Northeast Ceremonial and Marching BandHer Majesty’s Royal Marine Band of Cobourg, Ontario returning for the third year and the ever popular, for their eighth consecutive year.
Look for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipes and Drums, Spirit of Scotland Pipes and Drums and the new Police Pipes & Drums, Plattsburgh, NY, in the parade and performing in various venues downtown.
Authentic 1800s Musical Events
A fancy period-dress English Country Dance features live period music, led by dance masters Bruce Kokernot and Wendy Gilchrist. The Ball is coordinated by Hill and Hollow Music, Inc.
Shape-Note Singing
Shape-note singing is an American folk tradition of singing hymns and
gospel songs from books using shaped note heads to indicate position in
the scale. It would have been likely to occur in a Plattsburgh church
in 1814. The songs are sung in three or four parts without instrumental
accompaniment. Shape-note singing is a participatory event, not a
performance, although visitors are welcome to come and listen or
contribute to the beautiful sound.
Be sure to catch the Sailing Masters of 1812 in very dashing reproduction uniforms, authentic to that worn by Captain Stephen Decatur during this period as certified by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., with a musical repertoire spanning the 250 year period from 1750 to the present.
Also fitted out in authentic period uniforms are three other fife and drum units, Long Rapids, Green Mountain and Aiken’s Volunteers, who perform music from 18th and 19th centuries.
Historical Lectures & Displays
Scholars, authors and nationally known speakers examine such topics as; the events leading up to the battle, the tactics used during the battle, as well the aftermath and implications for the future of this young nation.
Historic Anchor from the British ship HMS Confiance is on display in City Hall. Learn how the loss of this anchor brought about a totally unexpected American Victory, thwarted British plans to control Lake Champlain and led to the signing of the treaty of Ghent which ended the War of 1812 on Christmas Eve, 1814.
Contests and Races
2009 will mark the Fifth Annual Battle of Plattsburgh Cannonball Fun Run. 5K and 10K races are designed for adults and teens with a shorter 1 mile run/walk events for the entire family. Participants receive refreshments and a special Fun Run T-shirt. Unique Battle of Plattsburgh Cannonball Fun Run medals for all participants and special Cannonball Fun Run gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers of the 5K and 10K races.
The Plucky Rooster Contest
Compete for cash prizes in the Plucky Rooster Contest. It is open to everyone: clubs, schools, families, individuals, businesses and organizatons. The contest was initiated as one more way to engage all ages in the Commemoration.
Why a rooster?
The rooster recalls an incident said to have occurred at the beginning of the naval engagement in Plattsburgh Bay on September 11, 1814. British Captain George Downie, commander of the frigate Confiance, fired cannon shot at the Saratoga, commanded by the American Commander Thomas Macdonough. One cannon ball hit a chicken coop aboard the Saratoga releasing a rooster. This rooster, instead of being frightened, flew up on a cannon, flapped his wings and crowed lustily. With spirits renewed, the men cheered and fired their cannons. Commander Macdonough and his crew were victors in this famous naval encounter.
There is no right or wrong way to construct the rooster, but it must be three dimensional, at least 3 feet tall and able to stand on its own and withstand wind and rain. Any material may be used for the Plucky Rooster from toys, tools, soda containers, wood, PVC, etc.
Questions about the Rooster contest? Call 561-4296
The Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration is a Family Event
Tents and indoor events provide protection from possible inclement weather. Rain or shine, there is something for everyone.
Shuttle Buses provide transportation from event to event passing through Plattsburgh’s historic district.
A $10 Admission Button will admit bearer to most museums and events. Children under 18 years old are free. Admission Buttons will be on sale in June for $8.00. After August 31, the price is $10.00.
The 2009 schedule will be posted in July of 2009.
